Interior minister says Islamabad, Wana attacks share cross-border connections
At least 12 people were martyred and more than 36 others injured in a suicide bombing outside the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad’s G-11 sector on Tuesday afternoon.
According to police officials, the bomber attempted to enter the court premises but detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted by security personnel. The blast ripped through the area, leaving several vehicles mangled and causing widespread panic among bystanders.
Police sources said the bomber’s severed head was recovered from the road, and forensic teams were immediately called in to collect evidence. Initial investigations suggest the attacker’s target was the court complex, potentially to inflict mass casualties, but was thwarted by alert officers at the entrance.
Rescue, casualties, and hospital response
Rescue teams swiftly transported the injured to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Hospital spokesperson Dr Mubashir Daha confirmed that 36 injured individuals were brought in, of whom 18 were discharged after treatment, while four remain in critical condition.
He added that 10 bodies had been identified, while efforts were ongoing to verify the identities of two others.
Among the injured were three police officials Head Constable Muhammad Imran, Constable Imran Javed of Kohsar Police Station, and ASI Irshad of Ramna Police Station as well as Muhammad Ramzan from Balochistan Police.
Security tightened across capital
Law enforcement agencies, including the Bomb Disposal Squad, cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive forensic investigation.
A security alert was declared across Islamabad, with strict checks at entry and exit points, as authorities reviewed CCTV footage showing the bomber approaching the complex moments before the blast.
PM Shehbaz blames India-backed networks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombing, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack orchestrated by India-backed networks.”
In an official statement, the premier said the attack was carried out by “Khwarij and Hindutva-backed elements operating from Afghanistan,” claiming that the same forces were behind the recent Cadet College Wana assault.
“The time has come for the world to condemn India’s malicious conspiracies,” Shehbaz said. “Both attacks represent the worst form of Indian state-sponsored terrorism in the region.”
He expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives, directed best medical care for the injured, and ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
“The fight against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist from the Khwarij and Hindutva factions is eliminated,” the statement added.
Interior Minister: Afghan links under investigation
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said preliminary evidence indicates possible links between the Islamabad court bombing and the Wana attack, pointing to networks operating from Afghanistan.
Speaking at the blast site, Naqvi said the explosion occurred at 12:39 pm, killing 12 people and injuring 27. The attacker, he noted, failed to gain entry into the court premises and detonated near a police vehicle.
“Identifying the suicide bomber remains our top priority,” Naqvi said. “The similarities between this attack and the one in Wana suggest cross-border coordination.”
He reiterated that Pakistan had shared evidence with Afghan authorities and warned that Islamabad would act decisively if Kabul failed to curb such elements.
Nation condemns attack
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan condemned the incident, calling terrorists the “enemies of Pakistan’s peace and progress.”
He said, “Eliminating the menace of Khwarij terrorism is a national mission.”
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan termed the bombing “an attack on Pakistan itself.”
“The enemy is targeting our institutions, courts, and mosques,” Gohar said. “The entire nation stands united with our security forces in this fight against terrorism.”